Elan Valley is throwing open the doors of one of its most iconic landmarks this month, giving visitors a rare opportunity to step inside the heart of a historic Welsh dam.

On Tuesday, May 27, Pen y Garreg Dam will open for a special Dam Open Day, offering a self-guided tour through the dam’s interior and central tower between 1pm and 3pm. Knowledgeable rangers will be stationed along the route to answer questions and shed light on the engineering feat behind the marvel.

The event costs £5 for adults and £1 for children under 18, with half of the proceeds going to the international water charity WaterAid. Organisers recommend booking ahead online to secure a spot: https://elan-valley.co.uk/events/dam-open-days/

But the Dam Open Day is just one part of an action-packed half-term line-up at Elan Valley.

On Saturday, May 31, the site will host the Celtic Rainforest Festival, a free-to-enter day-long celebration of one of the UK's most precious and ancient habitats. Running from 10am to 6pm, the event features expert talks from the RSPB, Elan Valley Trust, and Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, as well as demonstrations of traditional woodland skills like blacksmithing and horse logging. Families can join in guided walks, try forest bathing, and learn more about the mosses, lichens, and wildlife that make Celtic rainforests so ecologically important.

For those keen to explore further, the Elan Valley Bike Hub offers cycle hire for all ages and abilities, from e-bikes to mountain bikes, with trails ranging from gentle lakeside paths to more demanding off-road adventures.

Younger visitors can take on the Dragon Quest Trail in nearby Cnwch Woods, hunting for hidden dragons and solving puzzles to claim a prize. Trail maps and worksheets cost £2.50 and are available daily from the visitor centre.

To round off the day, the on-site café - perched above the River Elan - serves breakfast between 10am and midday and lunch from midday to 3pm, with a tempting selection of cakes and refreshments throughout the day.